The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1887-05-20
The Tale of a Telegram.
BY KATE PUTNAM OSGOOD.

Maud Estabrook had just turned to
retrace her steps up the avenue, when,
glancing around, she saw young man
emerge from the shadow of one of the
great willows that guarded the gate.
As he pulled of his hat with a low bow,
the sunlight brought Oh, burnish-
ing black of his close-cut hair, and
threw into stronger relief his bronzed,
handsome face, to which Il slight scar
on one cheek gave a touch of the rO-
mantle and picturesque. So thought
Maud. after her brief, comprehensive
survey
Il beg your pardon, said the stran-
ger, flaming himself with his straw hat
IS he spoke, but can you. tell me
if Mr. Estabrook is here?'
''Oh." thought Maud, lone of Tom S
friends" Then aloud. "Yes-that is,
he lives here, but he ish't at home to-
dav.
As the newcomer stood irreSOlute,
Maud gave him another quick look,
which summed up his whole appear
ance, from his six feet of statue and the
light pedestrian garb that set it of, to
the knapsack hanging over his shOul-
ders. Then she said hestatingly: "He
may be back tonight, perhaps. Won
you come up to the house and rest? 1t
is so warm! And my mother will be
glad to see any friend of Toms.
The young man returned her inqur-
crIa hn ],
some hesitation: Thanks. 1t is very
warm, certainly. should be delight
ed to pay my respects to-Mrs. Esta-
brook if she will permit me.
With that he put on his hat again,
and the two walked along together
under the blossoming acacia trees,
while he introduced himself as Marston
Folliott. just now pedestrianizing in
that region. To which she responded
with the information that she was
Toms sister. -
In this way they reached the house,
where Mrs. Estabrook was discovered
in the cool north parlor. She received
her sons friend very Hospitality, inviting
him TO await Toms return, which was
expected by the next morning at
latest
Mr. Foiliott's manner was again
hesitating as he half glanced toward
Maud. Il really ought not to take ad-
vantage" he began.
But Mrs. Estabrook, nervous, ex-
citable woman, given to starts and
broken sentences, interrupted him;
mo. mol Pray don't say so. Really,
it would relieve my mind, now that my
SON is away; and Of course Peter mus
choose this very time Maud, Peter
hasn't come back? No, not a man or
the place, and this is such a solitary
neighborhood! Burglars and tramps
would have us quite at their mercy.
So the young man accepted the urgent
invitation, and the afternoon wore
away pleasantly, with music and con.
versation. and strolling about the
grounds.
1t was almost tea-trne. The two
ladies with their guest were sitting on
the breezy piazza when a telegraph
messenger came up the steps. delivered
his yeIlow-covered missive. and was of
again like shot out Of sight
From Tom, probably, said Mrs.
Estabrook. Mr.. Folliott you viii
excuse me?"
She broke open the envelope, while
the conversation between the two
young people went on. But it was sud
denly Interrupted by an inarticulatt
sound from Mrs. Estabrook, and look
ing around they saw her wh te ant
trembling Maud ran to her mother,
and put her arms about her.
Il hope you have received no bad
news began Mr.. Foliiott But as he
advanced Mrs. Estabrook waved hin
back, with poor attempt at smile.
's0h nc, not bad at all only little
little unexpected. Then she con.
veyed silent summons to Maud's anx
fons eve. adding, with the same forcee
lightness. If you win excuse our leav
ing YOU alone for a moment, Mr. Fol
lott, have little household mattel
to arrange with my daughter. That j
all. indeed. It is only for moment
only moment, assure you.
Az they withdrew she sedulously re
turned Mr.. Folliott's bow, all the whil
preserving set smile strangely at va
rance with her pale face. But n,
sooner had they entered the house thai
it droppsd away. as she turned to he
daughter and said, in q hollow whisper
Maud, that man is burglarl''
Maud stared at this startling an
nouncemert.